IPA stands for India Pale Ale, and it is named for the British colonizers who created the brew by adding extra hops and alcohol to preserve their beer on long journeys to India.[1] The brew is often described as citrusy, hoppy, floral, herbal, and bitter, which may be why some people do not enjoy this brew. However, IPA is one of the most popular brews and it comes in lots of different varieties. If you are trying to find an IPA that you will enjoy at a beer store or grocery store, then there are several things to consider. If you are at a brewery, then knowing the proper way to taste beer may help to inform your decision. In either case, you may also want to consider things like alcohol by volume, price, and potential food pairings.

Steps

Method1

Choosing an IPA in the Store

1

Look for an IPA from a brewery you like. One way to increase your chances of getting an IPA that you will enjoy is to choose one that was made by a brewery you like. If you like the brewery’s other beers, then there is a better chance that you will like their IPA.

Keep in mind that it is important to consider other factors as well. Some breweries specialize in a specific type of beer, and IPAs might not be their thing. Be willing to try something new as well.

2

Read the description. Many breweries take great care to describe their beers in a pleasing way, and these descriptions can also help you decide if the beer is something you might enjoy. Read the description and look for information about the beer’s flavor.

For example, a description of an IPA might include terms like “citrusy,” “herbal,” “hoppy,” or “smooth.” Note these terms and consider whether you might enjoy a beer with these characteristics. If you are not a fan of beers that have one or more of the characteristics in the description, then look for a different IPA.

Special terms in the description can also help you to make your decision. For example, you might notice the term “dry hopped” on some labels. An IPA that has been dry hopped will be less likely to have a bitter taste, so go for one of these IPAs if you dislike bitter beers. The term “imperial” might also show up on some bottles, and these IPAs are likely to have a higher ABV.[2]

Calories might also be something that you can find on the label. Breweries are not required to include the calorie counts on beer labels, but some breweries include this information anyways. Since some beers can be really high in calories, you might want to check the label for this information.[3]

3

Check to see if the IPA won any awards. Although an award is not a guarantee that you will like the IPA, it may help you to decide between a few choices or give you some direction if you are feeling overwhelmed by the number of IPAs you are considering. Check the package for any mention of awards and use this information to help you choose an IPA.

For example, you might notice that one of the IPAs you are considering took first place at a national competition. This might mean that the IPA has more mass appeal than the others, which may mean that you will be more likely to enjoy it.

4

Ask friends and check reviews online. Other people can be a great way to find an IPA that you will enjoy. If you have any beer enthusiast friends, try asking what IPAs they liked and what ones they did not like. You can also go online and look for reviews of different beers.

Try to find beers that have been highly rated, such as getting 5 stars, 9/10, A- or A, or a 90% rating. These high marks mean that lots of people liked the IPA, so you might like it too.

Method2

Choosing an IPA at a Brewery

1

Ask for a sample. If you are visiting a brewery or even a brewpub, then you are often encouraged to sample a beer before you decide to get a pint. If you are trying to choose between a few different IPAs or if you are not sure if you would like the brewery’s IPA, then ask the bartender for a sample.

Try saying something like, “I want to try this IPA before I decide what to order. Can I please have a sample?”

2

Note the appearance. After you get your sample, hold it up and take a look at it. This will give you a chance to see its color. Most IPAs have a deep golden color to them, but the color can vary in shades. Enjoying the appearance of the IPA is all part of savoring its flavor.[4]

Try to describe the appearance for yourself. What colors do you see in the glass? Is it golden? Amber? Pale orange? Is there any foam (head) on top of the beer? Is so, how much?

3

Inhale the aroma. Next, swirl the glass gently to help release some of the aroma of the beer. Then, bring it to your nose and inhale the aroma through your nose. This will enhance the flavor of the beer when you taste it and it will also provide a nice preview of the flavor.[5]

Pay special attention to the scent of the beer. What do you smell? Is it herbal? Floral? Citrusy? Is the aroma pleasant to you?

4

Taste the IPA. After you have finished enjoying the aroma, you can taste the IPA and decide if you like it or not. Take a sip of the beer and hold it in your mouth for a minute. This will give you a chance to enjoy the flavors and the feel of the beer in your mouth.[6]

Note the taste of the IPA. What do you taste? Is it citrusy? Bitter? Sweet? Sour? Malty? Do you like the way it tastes?

If you like the IPA, then go ahead and order a pint to enjoy. However, if you do not like it, ask to try something else. IPAs can have a strong flavor, which is not for everyone. Make sure that you order something that you will enjoy drinking.

Method3

Considering Other Factors

1

Identify the alcohol by volume (ABV) of the beer. Many IPAs are high in alcohol, which can be a problem if you plan on drinking your IPAs over the course of an evening and do not want to get too intoxicated. Some IPAs have 6%, 7%, or even 8% alcohol by volume![7] Check the label or ask about the ABV before you decide to buy or try an IPA. If it is higher than you want it to be, then try something else.

To check the alcohol content of the IPAs you are considering, look for the ABV on the label followed by a number and a percentage. A higher number means that it is a more alcoholic beer.

Try to find one that is at or below 5% if you want something you can drink over the course of an evening. These are called session IPAs.[8]

2

Check the price. Some IPAs can be expensive, especially if they have a special ingredient or a high ABV. Consider how much you are willing to pay for a six pack of IPAs and check the price on the product you are considering.

Keep in mind that craft beers can be a little pricey. Expect to pay around $8 to $10 for a six pack of IPA.

3

Consider meals you might enjoy with the beer. If you are into pairing your beer choices with food, then think about what meals you might want to have with your IPA. There are several different types of foods that pair well with IPAs including:[9][10]

Spicy foods, like curries, Thai food, or Mexican food.

Deep fried foods, like French fries, fried chicken, or chicken wings.

Grilled foods, like burgers, steaks, or grilled shrimp.

Oily fish, such as salmon or mackerel.

Mango and citrus flavored desserts, such as mango sorbet or key lime pie.